Measles

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Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus.Complications and death can result from a measles infection, most commonly in infants less than 12 months old and in adults. Since the introduction of the measles vaccine, rates of measles infections have dropped greatly.

There were 10 confirmed cases of measles among BC residents in 2015, all associated with a single importation event. An additional case in a visitor to BC was linked to this outbreak. In 2014, there were several hundred cases reported in BC mainly associated with an outbreak in the Fraser Valley.

All contacts of a measles case that have not had measles disease or 2 doses of measles vaccine in the past should receive measles vaccine within 72 hours of last exposure to the infected person.

Immune globulin (a blood product containing measles antibodies) is available to prevent measles disease in people who are exposed to a case of measles but who are unable to be immunized with MMR for any reason.

Wash hands well, especially after coughing and sneezing and before preparing foods or eating.